DeMar DeRozan is team Kendrick Lamar. It was clear from the moment he appeared on stage during Lamar’s “Pop Out” show. He danced alongside Russell Westbrook while Lamar performed the ubiquitous “Not Like Us” five times in a row. If DeRozan’s allegiance wasn’t clear enough, he appeared in the music video for the song as well. He sided with his Compton brethren, which didn’t take much explaining. That being said, the NBA superstar shed light on his decision during a recent interview.
DeMar DeRozan went on FOX 40 Sports to discuss his involvement in the music video. He made it clear that he has nothing against Drake, but he was always going to align with K. Dot when it came time for a battle. “Love Drake, always can play him,” he told the reporter. When it came to Kendrick Lamar, though, there was a different level of loyalty. “Kendrick been a friend of mine. Damn near family,” DeRozan stated. “We both from the same city. Grew up damn near in the same neighborhood, it’s always been there.”
DeRozan also conceded that the closeness of his friendship with Lamar may not have been common knowledge prior to the battle. “It hasn’t always been publicized,” he noted. “But that’s basically family.” DeMar DeRozan occupies an even more interesting role in the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar battle than it initially seems. He was drafted by the Toronto Raptors and spent a decade playing for the team that Drake is a global ambassador for. The All-Star even appeared in comedy sketch with Drake (and Will Ferrell) during the 2016 ESPYS.
The Toronto connection, coupled with the Compton origins, made DeMar DeRozan a prime point of reference for Kendrick Lamar during the battle. Consequently, the rapper mentions DeRozan on the second verse of “Not Like Us.” “I’m glad DeRoz’ came home, y’all didn’t deserve him neither,” K. Dot raps. “From Alondra down to Central, n**ga better not speak on Serena.” While it’s hard to imagine a friendship between Drake and DeRozan anytime soon, at least the latter showed love during his interview.
DeMar DeRozan has suddenly found himself in the middle of rap’s most high-profile feud. After spending years as a member of the Toronto Raptors and forming a relationship with Drake, DeRozan appeared at Kendrick Lamar’s The Pop Out concert, then went on stage during as Lamar performed the song “Not Like Us,” and then appeared in the music video for the track.
It led to some questions about whose side he is on here, and fortunately, DeRozan got asked about the whole ordeal by Sean Cunningham of KTXL in Sacramento. Basically, DeRozan still has love for Drake, but his relationship with Lamar goes back a very long time, to the point that he considers him “basically family.”
Asked DeMar DeRozan about his appearance in Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” video and if that signaled the end of playing Drake inside Golden 1 Center. pic.twitter.com/0cRtBImfQm
“I mean, love Drake, love Drake, you always could play him,” DeRozan said when asked if they can keep playing Drake at Sacramento Kings games. “Kendrick’s been a friend of mine, family, damn near family for a long time, for a while. We from the same city, grew up damn near in the same neighborhood. So, it’s always been, it hasn’t always been publicized, but that’s basically family.”
DeRozan, of course, is the newest member of the Kings roster after joining the team thanks to a sign-and-trade. Whether Drake or Kendrick attend any Kings games because of this remains to be seen.
A handful of North American teams got the opportunity to participate in Copa America this summer. The tournament, which is usually made up of teams in South America’s footballing federation CONMEBOL, is taking place in the United States this year, but despite that, the USMNT did not make it out of their group. Nor did the other usual powerhouse of North American football, Mexico.
In a surprising turn of events, Canada was able to get out of a group that included Argentina, Chile, and Peru. They came in second place in Group A, got to the knockouts, and won their quarterfinal game against Venezuela in penalties. Now, on Tuesday night, the Canadians will take on Lionel Messi and Argentina with a spot in the final on the line, and in a show of national pride, Drake posted to his Instagram Story that he’s put $300,000 on them pulling off the upset.
Now, I certainly won’t say that this is a guaranteed loss (and I think this one would not classify as the Drake Curse rearing its ugly head), but Canada faces one heck of an uphill climb here. Not only are Argentina the defending winners of this tournament, and not only are they the defending World Cup winners, but the two teams were actually in the same group as one another and played in the opening game of the tournament, which Argentina won, 2-0.
Canada is an incredible story, as they’ve gotten to this point under American manager Jesse Marsch, and the fun quirk of this tournament is that things go right to penalties after regulation, so they wouldn’t need to hold on for dear life through 30 minutes of extra time if things are level after 90 minutes. That means pulling the upset is ever so slightly easier … but that wouldn’t mean much for Drake’s bet, as his bet is for Canada to win in regulation.
Elsewhere, Akademiks has been Drake’s whisperer throughout the entire beef with Kendrick Lamar. So his next statement may be surprising: “The Drake stimulus package right now doesn’t exist.”
In case you don’t know what the Drake stimulus package is, it was the long-running belief that throwing Drake on someone’s album or single would result in an extra boost in the performance.
“I think, you know, no pun intended, Drake’s wings slightly feel clipped,” said Akademiks. “The Drake stimulus package right now doesn’t exist. So Drake going on Camilla Cabello’s track didn’t do nothing. That’s a fact.”
As evidence of his belief, Drake’s appearance on “Hot Uptown” only made it to No. 149 in its first week. You can hear it from Akademiks below.
“The Drake stimulus package right now doesn’t exist”
At this point, it’s pretty firmly established that Drake took the L in his back-and-forth with Kendrick Lamar earlier this year. Only Aubrey himself (or his staunchest online supporters) could make the argument that Kendrick did NOT run roughshod over Drake’s reputation with his flurry of aggressive diss tracks, which included the presumptive song of the summer, “Not Like Us.”
Fortunately for Drake, there is a path to redemption — at least, according to former Kendrick Lamar labelmate, Ab-Soul. The Carson artist, who is still signed to Top Dawg Entertainment and appeared in the “Not Like Us” video alongside the other original members of the label, shared his theory on Twitter (back to not calling it “X”).
“If Drake is the MC I imagine he can be,” he wrote. “Redemption is not off the table.”
If Drake is the MC I imagine he can be. Redemption is not off the table.
Of course, this is pretty much the crux of the divide between the two rappers, as well as being the main case against Drake from the majority of his critics over the past decade and a half. Drake spent his first two mixtapes, Room For Improvement and Comeback Season, courting the underground before blowing up seemingly overnight after the leak of a reference track of Drake’s song, “Brand New,” which he’d written for an unnamed R&B singer.
Since then, Drake has split his time on recordings between harder-edged, tough guy-style rapping (because the backpacker thing was never all that profitable) and brokenhearted crooning. In an effort to appeal to the zeitgeist, though, both his raps and his singing have taken on a manosphere-inspired, Red Pilled outlook, which has alienated a bunch of his most dedicated fans. Ab-Soul’s comments reflect a general vibe on rap discussion forums like Twitter that there’s a version of Drake that could potentially earn back his lost respect as a rapper, but he’d have to reject some of his biggest defenders, ditch the toxic attitudes, and start writing like his old rhyme heroes Phonte and Lupe Fiasco again.
It’s a bold theory, and I’m not sure it’d hold true in practice, but therein lies the rub: If skills sold, truth be told…
Akademiks has been the Drake whisperer throughout the entire beef with Kendrick Lamar. So his next statement may be surprising, “The Drake stimulus package right now doesn’t exist.”
In case you don’t know what the Drake stimulus package is, it was the long-running belief that throwing Drake on someone’s album or single would result in an extra boost in the performance.
“I think, you know, no pun intended, Drake’s wings slightly feel clipped,” said Akademiks. “The Drake stimulus package right now doesn’t exist. So Drake going on Camilla Cabello’s track didn’t do nothing. That’s a fact.”
As evidence of his belief, Drake’s appearance on “Hot Uptown” only made it to No. 149 in its first week. You can hear it from Akademiks below.
“The Drake stimulus package right now doesn’t exist”
Two months ago, I tweeted: “Best year of hip-hop. EVER. #2024.” and the Internet’s feisty commentators tore me up. Pardon my excitement and wild proclamation, but I haven’t felt this good about the state of rap music since life before the pandemic. The 2020s have stunk — until now. What’s not to love today? Older rappers like Nas are showing and proving that great lyricists don’t have a retirement age. The historic, long-awaited showdown between Aubrey “Drake” Graham and Kendrick Lamar Duckworth lived up to the hype and transcended it. Plus, I’ve lost count of how much terrific content Future and Metro Boomin can cook up.
Still, everybody can’t get a trophy. It’s time to recognize the best of the best. I dare you to disagree. Ha! Spoiler alert: No Ye. No Q. No Vince Staples. No J. Cole on my albums list. You got a problem with that? Turn that frown upside down and turn the music up. Here’s the best hip-hop songs and albums of 2024, so far.
The Top 10 Hip-Hop Songs Of 2024 So Far
10. Nas & DJ Premier — “Define My Name” (Mass Appeal)
Three decades since working together on his classic debut, Illmatic, Queenbridge’s finest reconnects with Preemo for some classic Big Apple boom bap. Hopefully the promise of a future full-length project between the hall-of-fame duo comes to fruition.
9. Bossman Dlow — “Mr. Pot Scraper” (Alamo/Sony)
One of hip-hop’s most celebrated freshmen, Big Za has got plenty of digestible dope boy raps, but this one is the best. He’s a hustler, baby.
What’s better than one good Atlanta female MC? Two. Newcomer Nene gets a big assist from ATL Birthday Bash headliner, Latto. The fellas better pay attention — you don’t wanna piss these ladies off.
7. Cash Cobain — “Fisherr” Feat. Bay Swag (Giant)
Bronx-bred rapper/producer, Slizzy takes his sexy drill NY sound nationwide with this irresistibly catchy, tender ode to young love. Should you play this one multiple times? For sure.
6. 21 Savage — “Redrum” (Slaughter Gang/Epic)
Murderous material made by a mad man? Yeah, that’s a pretty good summation of Savage’s haunting anthem, which pays homage to the horror classic movie, The Shining. And I still can’t believe that’s Usher at the end, gettin’ his “Vincent Price on Thriller” on.
5. Sexyy Red — “Get It Sexxy” (Open Shift/Gamma)
It’s a rallying cry to act ratchet as Ms. “Pound Town” stomps all over producer Tay Keith’s kinetic track. Whoop! Whoop!
4. GloRilla — “Yeah Glo” (CMG/Interscope)
Suffice it to say, this self-affirmation selection slaps. Who can resist cheering along to this assertive chorus? Go, Gloria!
Before ultimately losing his intense exchange with rival Kendrick Lamar, Drizzy captivated with this sonic triumvirate of lyrical warfare. Too bad that he probably foreshadowed another K Dot Grammy triumph.
Over Metro aka hip-hop’s best producer’s best beat, Compton’s most wanted deads all comparisons to Aubrey and Jermaine and declares his dominant position. There can only be one.
1. Kendrick Lamar — “Not Like Us” (Kendrick Lamar/Interscope)
It’s a diss song and a hit song. Over DJ Mustard’s masterful canvas, King Kendrick simultaneously ends hip-hop’s greatest beef and empowers the West Coast hip-hop scene. A true victory lap.
The Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums Of 2024 So Far
10. Mach-Hommy — #RichAxxHaitian (Mach-Hommy)
Mach-Hommy
Hip-hop’s most mysterious MC delivers a musically diverse magnum opus that commands your attention from beginning to end.
9. Flo Milli — Fine Ho, Stay (‘94 Sounds/RCA)
Flo Milli
Anchored by her biggest single, “Never Lose Me,” Flo defies sophomore jinx pressure and captivates with her most compelling body of work to date.
8. Benny The Butcher — Everybody Can’t Go (5 To 50/Def Jam)
Benny The Butcher
With a co-sign from West Coast icon, Snoop Dogg, this Griselda spitter subtly takes his signature gritty raps to new heights. Growth is good.
7. Rapsody — Please Don’t Cry (We Each Other/Jamla/Roc Nation)
We Each Other/Jamia Records
You can’t handle the truth? Too bad. Marlena Evans bares her mind and soul on this sprawling but still soothing soundtrack.
6. Bossman Dlow — Mr. Beat The Road (Alamo/Sony)
Bossman Dlow
A ferocious force from Florida, Dlow delivers a riveting, raw mixtape that moves him one step closer to mainstream exposure.
5. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie — Better Off Alone (Highbridge/Atlantic)
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie
New York’s most consistent MC of the past seven years releases his best album and you all lame out? Don’t let the low numbers fool you, The Artist is on his A-Game here.
4. Gunna — One Of Wun (YSL/300)
Gunna
Although his career remains riddled in controversy as long as Young Thug is on trial, Gunna remains musically unfazed, following his should’ve-been-Grammy-nominated 2023 album, A Gift & A Curse, with a melodic masterwork that only he could put together.
3. 21 Savage — American Dream (Slaughter Gang/Epic)
Slaughter Gang/Epic
Fresh off his successful collab album with Drake, Her Loss, Savage subtly addresses his immigration saga and delivers his most cohesive collection of music.
1. TIE: Future & Metro Boomin — We Don’t Trust You + We Still Don’t Trust You (Wilburn Holding/Boominati/Epic)
Future X Metro BoominFuture / Metro Boomin
How can I choose? Same foundational premise: “The elimination of Drake.” Ha! But the execution is pure flawless excellence on both sides. We Don’t uses Mobb Deep’s Prodigy as a muse, as the two Atlanta heavyweights set their mark in hip-hop history. The follow-up, We Still Don’t, hearkens back to 2017’s HNDRXX as Pluto proves his singing can be just as potent as his rhymes. The aftermath of these two releases still resonates, as it single-handedly led to the Kendrick-Drake showdown. Future and Metro did the impossible. Then they did it twice.
With his sharp and unashamed look at street life, Pusha T, born Terrence Thornton, has left an unforgettable legacy in hip hop. From his earlier days as half of Clipse up to his celebrated solo career, Pusha T provides a guide on how to tell stories through music. He is the epitome of authentic rap. For those who have been following his journey and are interested in knowing more about him, these are the five most essential songs that best portray what Pusha T is all about.
Further, he has maintained a remarkable industry identity over time by being flexible but still sticking to his true self. Pusha T’s path represents both himself and the broader story of street life, showing its complexities, struggles, and glory. These tracks offer insight into Pusha T’s life, illustrating how much he has grown as an artist.
1. Grindin’ (With Clipse) (2002)
Pusha T and Malice, known together as Clipse, shot to the upper echelons of hip-hop stardom with their hit single “Grindin’.” Coming out in 2002, this breakout song from their first album, entitled Lord Willin’, became a classic thanks to its unmistakable beat. The song’s stripped-down production by The Neptunes perfectly complements Pusha T’s grimy rhymes about the daily hustle.
“Grindin’” also had an instant impact that was felt across the board, and it only served to cement Clipse’s position within rap. Pusha T’s bold delivery, along with his ability to tell stories, connected powerfully with his listeners. To date, this remains one of his trademark songs. It captures who he was when he just started out rapping, telling us more about how talented he is lyrically speaking.
2. “Numbers On The Boards” (2013)
In his debut album, My Name Is My Name, Pusha T demonstrated through the track “Numbers on the Boards” that he is a highly skilled solo rap artist. The 2013 song served as an introductory single for My Name Is My Name. To be more precise, it was marked by an unconventional rhythm and a very simple approach to the production. This was also represented a perfect background for Pusha T’s clever wordplay.
Here, Pusha T showed more of his potential as a solo artist amidst a crowded field. He rapped confidently, which signaled his preparedness to face adversities in the music industry without assistance from anyone else. Fans still love “Numbers on the Boards” because it shows what Pusha T intended to achieve with his art while also showcasing how good he is lyrically, even though you cannot see him.
Pusha T’s and Kendrick Lamar’s “Nosetalgia” is an autobiographical jam that takes minds deep into the recesses of their souls. It was released in 2013 as a part of My Name Is My Name, with both artists taking turns to describe what they went through on the streets during childhood. The verses from Pusha T have an unfiltered quality that stands out against the equally graphical narration from Lamar.
Moreover, Push and Lamar’s collaboration on “Nosetalgia” demonstrates the meaning of being a lyricist who paints vivid pictures. Both rappers’ experiences interweave this track, providing a thought-provoking piece that touches people’s hearts. With songs like this, Pusha T has proved his skill at telling excellent stories in music. It further makes him one of hip-hop’s most respected rappers.
4. “If You Know You Know” (2018)
“If You Know You Know” opens Pusha T’s 2018 album DAYTONA with a bold declaration of self-assurance. Kanye West’s minimalist production provides a stark yet powerful backdrop for Pusha T’s incisive lyrics. This track also sets the tone for the rest of the album, showcasing his ability to deliver concise, impactful storytelling with every bar.
The song quickly became a fan favorite, celebrated for its clever wordplay and unapologetic swagger. “If You Know You Know” encapsulates Pusha T’s mastery of his craft, reaffirming his status as one of hip hop’s elite. This track is a powerful introduction to DAYTONA, highlighting Pusha T’s lyrical dexterity and unwavering self-belief.
5. “The Story Of Adidon” (2018)
“The Story of Adidon” is one of the most talked-about tracks in Pusha T’s career. It was aimed squarely at his long-time rival, Drake. Released in 2018, this diss track features Pusha T delivering unflinching lyrics that delve into Drake’s personal life and career. The song’s impact was immediate and widespread, reigniting their feud and capturing hip-hop’s attention.
The intensity and boldness of “The Story of Adidon” highlight Pusha T’s fearless approach to his craft. The track’s confrontation and unfiltered bars demonstrate his willingness to tackle controversial subjects head-on. This song remains significant in Pusha T’s discography, showcasing his lyrical prowess and uncompromising attitude.
Welp, Birdman’s subtle suggestion that Drake would make a surprise appearance at Essence Festival 2024 didn’t pan out. Still, yesterday (July 5), attendees of the culture’s biggest annual event were treated to a special onstage reunion.
During the “Ms. Gladys” rapper’s performance, he brought out New Orleans’ hometown rap group, Hot Boys. The crowd cheered in excitement seeing B.G., Juvenile, and even Mannie Fresh together, the Cash Money reunion hype did not translate to viewers outside of The Big Easy. Mainly, due to Turk’s absence and Lil Wayne’s notable decision to appear after everyone left the stage. Now, users online have questions.
The Cash Money reunion would NOT be complete without the presence of:
Tunechi, Lil’ Wayne, Lil’ Weezy, Birdman Jr., Weezy F. Baby.
Lil Wayne and Birdman tension has long since documented in music, online, as well as in the courtroom. However, in recent time, the pair seemed to have squashed their previous issues. Rumors circulating online allege Wayne was present and ready to join the reunion, but not without Turk (whom reportedly isn’t in good standings with Birdman). Sadly, as a result, the Hot Boys reunion feel through.
Turk told @bhighatl he wasn’t invited Wayne didn’t appear with B.G. on stage Big Tymers didn’t reunite Slim loves Turk Baby hates Turk Mannie & Juvie loves everybody The old Cash Money reunion is currently at shit show status until they have a family meeting https://t.co/oO2yC0j2pn
Just to clear it up nothin happened back stage. Wayne said ain’t no reunion w/o Turk and baby was mad he stood on business and didn’t perform as a “group” n didn’t do his cash money songs… But business is business. That’s it that’s all hope y’all have a great day
This happening was always a possibility, but it would’ve been really special to see all four Hot Boys on stage together. But like I said yesterday, it’s a ton of complexities that come with Cash Money.
Dawg Lil Wayne reunited with Jae Mills, Mack Maine & Gudda Gudda on stage but not Big Tymers & Hot Boys at a Cash Money Reunion show… pic.twitter.com/IRCMchcviv
The fact that Birdman was just with Wayne the other day is wild. No Wayne, no Turk. This Cash Money reunion was all over the place. You mean to tell me 6 grown men can’t come together for the culture? #ESSENCEFest#CashMoneyRecords
Supporters are now under the impression that Birdman and Wayne’s former feud could be back on. Those flames were further fanned, when Birdman delivered a verbal jab before leaving the stage just before Wayne performed a medley of his hits. “I would never let my city down and be a p*ssy ass n**** for anybody,” he said.
.@BIRDMAN5STAR destroys hope for a Cash Money, Young Money reunion and sisses Lil Wayne in New Orleans, trashing his hopes for headlining the 2025 Superbowl
“I would never let my city down and be a p*y a*s n*a for anybody”
According to the “Not Like Us” opening disclaimer: “No Ovohoes were harmed during the making of the music video.” However, Kendrick Lamar vicious beating of an owl piñata (symbolic of Drake) in the visual has other entities hiding anything that resembles the animal.
Yesterday (July 5), the Los Angeles Public Library decided to retire its beloved owl puppet used for children’s programming. “Do we need to retire our owl puppet,” asked the page.
Whether the act was for the safety of the plushie or to show the library’s allegiance to hometown hero, Kendrick, the public showed just how tickled they were in the comment section of the TikTok video.
“Wow, the library was really the last safe space,” joked one user.
TikTok
“Drake just cancelled his library card,” wrote another user.
TikTok
“The library said, ‘You think the Bay gon let you disrespect Pac, brother,’” penned another referencing a line in the track.
TikTok
“I’m HOOTING at this. Perhaps, the owl can do some community service and earn their way back. Or be used in the Halloween display,” chimed another.
TikTok
At this point, there is nothing Drake or his OVO Sound record label can do about the degradation of its logo. But it will be a while before fans are spotted sporting anything in the bird family.
PLEASE SAY THE BABY
Turk told 
